Snow Business, December 2016

STAYING POWER Akehurst Landscape Service celebrates 140th anniversary with a nod to the past but with a firm focus on the future BY CHERYL HIGLEY Editorial Director A kehurst Landscape Service looks good for its age Led by the familys fifth generation the Joppa MD based company celebrated its 140th anniversary this fall Founded in 1876 by Charles Akehurst the company got its start in horticulture eventually adding nursery landscape services and finally snow and ice management in the 1990s At the helm today are brothers President John Akehurst and Vice President Bill Akehurst and their cousin Treasurer Jay Tarleton They are supported by members of the fourth and sixth generations including Jays mother and two of Bills children Every generation has had an impact on the companys success John says noting that they are already looking at which family members may be the future leaders of the company Bill says as the company has evolved the younger generations havent had the opportunity to receive the same hands on training he his brothers and his cousins had growing up In their formative years the company was a nursery operation and everyone was expected to work in the field learning along the way Since the nursery operation was disbanded and the companys focus has shifted the sixth generation wont have that same experience but will still be required to get their hands dirty I would like my kids to get an education in business so they know how to manage and run a company But if they plan to be involved at Akehurst they need to spend time in the field he says Continued on page 16 12 SNOW BUSINESS DECEMBER 2016 www sima org snowbusiness

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